The current territory of Burkina Faso has been occupied since 500 years B.C. The first French exploration dates back to 1888. The colonization of the country by France started in 1896 and ended in 1904 with the integration of the territory of Upper Volta (Burkina Faso was formerly called the Republic of Upper Volta) to the Upper Senegal/Niger colony of French West Africa as part of the reorganization of the French West African colony.

In 1919, the Republic of Upper Volta (currently Burkina Faso) became a French oversea territory before being dismantled in 1932 and split up among neighboring colonies such as Niger, French Sudan, and Ivory Coast. This has led to the disappearance of the country from the world map. However, on September 4th, 1947, the colony was revived and the territory of the Republic of Upper Volta re-established with its previous boundaries of 1919.

The history of the independence of Burkina Faso can be articulated through the following key dates:

28th September 1958: adoption of the very first constitution formally establishing the Republic of Upper Volta;
11th December 1958: proclamation of the autonomy of the Republic of Upper Volta
11th July 1960: signature in Paris of the treaty that gives freedom to the country from colonial occupation;
5th August 1960: the Republic of Upper Volta (currently Burkina Faso) proclaims its full independence.

On 4th August 1984, the Republic of Upper Volta changed its name and became officially Burkina Faso. Burkina means: integrity, honesty, dignity, honor. Faso means: country, state, Republic. Burkina Faso means: The Country of Honorable People.

Burkina Faso national day is celebrated on December 11th. The official language of the country is French. The currency of Burkina Faso is Franc CFA (African Financial Community).